Monday, March 16, 2009

Bittersweet

Saturday night at the Mesa Arts Center the Irish Rovers performed for two hours some brand new songs that I just can't wait to get my hands on in the fall, as well as some recent songs, and some old classics.
Melissa couldn't go with us so we gave the extra ticket to Joe and introduced him to the joys of Irish music and the fun of the Irish Rovers. He grew up with the song The Orange and the Green and I had to break the news to him that, as many of their concerts as we had been to, we had never heard that sung live. They just didn't sing that anymore. The afternoon before the concert I was casually talking to the Lord and I let Him know it would be really cool if they'd sing that one that night ... and they did!! My heart was dancing and praising God for answering my totally silly prayer! That song will always be special to me now; it goes to show that God cares about the little things in our lives too.
I broke tradition this time, purely unintentionally, forgetting to wear my Black Velvet Band and my gold Unicorn. Guess the ol' memory just isn't what it used to be.
I knew going in that the evening would be bittersweet. George Millar's wife Betsy passed away suddenly last June. It didn't truly hit me until we encountered the merchandise table with someone else behind it. Betsy was such a lovely lady, always friendly and smiling, and I'll always be thankful for the privilege of getting to know her over the years.
Aside from the one potentially embarrassing incident with Sophie (see Play It Again, Sophie on her Dear Sophie blog, linked at right), the evening went off beautifully and I can't wait to see these incredible Rambling Boys Of Pleasure again! To George, John, Ian, Sean, Wilcil, and a new drummer whose name I didn't catch, you guys are awesome, and here's a health to every one of you!